Experts warn that "uncontrolled chemicals" threaten both public health and the environment in the UK, prompting the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) to advocate for a new Chemicals Agency to oversee regulation.
Esme Stallard reports for the BBC.
In short:
- The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) urges the UK to establish a Chemicals Agency to regulate harmful chemicals, citing gaps in current regulations post-Brexit.
- Delays in setting up a new chemical regulation system have left industries like cosmetics and agriculture in uncertainty.
- Growing evidence shows toxic "forever chemicals" accumulating in UK soil and waterways, linked to severe health issues like cancer and infertility.
Key quote:
“The current regulatory regime for chemicals in the UK is not fit-for-purpose, failing to support innovation or to adequately protect our waterways, soil, air and built environment.”
— Professor Gillian Reid, president of the Royal Society of Chemistry
Why this matters:
Regulating harmful chemicals is essential for protecting public health and the environment. The absence of a cohesive strategy endangers ecosystems and exposes the public to potential health risks. Read more: The chemical industry may have killed a landmark EU chemical policy. Here’s what that means for the US.
